Ideas of the Declaration of Independence

SOL USI.6b: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the causes and results of the American Revolution

by: b) identifying how political ideas shaped the revolutionary movement in America and led to the

Declaration of Independence

Why Change Things?

1) New political ideas led to a desire for INDEPENDENCE and democratic government in the American colonies.

2) The Declaration of Independence proclaimed independence from ENGLAND. It stated that people have natural (inherent) rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

Where Did These Revolutionary Ideas Come From?

3) Key philosophies in the Declaration of Independence were based upon ideas first expressed by EUROPEAN philosophers.

Ideas of John Locke

1) People have NATURAL rights to life, liberty and property. Since these rights were natural, no one could take them away, including the government and King.

2) Government is created to PROTECT the rights of people and has only the limited and specific powers the PEOPLE consent (approve) to give it.

Key Philosophies (Ideas) of the Declaration of Independence

1) People have “certain UNALIENABLE rights” (rights that cannot be taken away)—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

2) People establish government to PROTECT those rights.

3) Government derives (receives) its power from the PEOPLE.

4) People have a right and duty to change a government that violates (breaks, or takes advantage of) their RIGHTS.

Ben Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson working on the Declaration of Independence